Best Hybrid SUV in 2025: Top Picks and Reviews

Not long ago, diesel engines were the default choice for SUVs because of their efficiency and performance. However, with updates to company car tax rules and significant advancements in hybrid technology, petrol-electric hybrids have become popular.

The market for hybrid SUVs has grown rapidly, which gives you plenty of choices — but it can also make the decision more difficult. To help, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best hybrid cars, including both regular and plug-in hybrids.

Understanding Hybrid SUV Technology

Hybrid SUVs bridge the gap between traditional petrol or diesel engines and electric vehicles. Conventional internal combustion engines run entirely on fuel, but hybrids combine fuel with electric power for better efficiency. Hybrids, therefore, use less fuel and produce lower CO2 emissions.

Mild hybrids support the engine, but these cars don’t run solely on electricity. Full hybrid cars use regenerative braking to charge a small battery, which allows for brief electric-only driving. Plug-in hybrids take it further and have a fully electric range of many miles.

Top 10 Hybrid SUVs to Buy in 2024

If you’re in the market for a practical, eco-friendly SUV, let’s take a look at the best hybrid cars available this year!

Mercedes GLC 300e

If you’re looking for the best hybrid SUVs, a decent electric range is probably what you want — and the Mercedes GLC 300e delivers. With an official range of up to 80 miles on electric-only power, it’s hard to beat. That range also means lower CO2 emissions and a reduced benefit-in-kind tax, so it’s a great option for both company car drivers and private buyers.

The GLC 300e is comfortable, practical, and feels good to drive. Inside, the cabin is modern and stylish, and there’s a large, eye-catching infotainment screen that adds a touch of luxury.

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid

The Kia Sportage is a hit for good reason. It’s roomy, comfortable to drive, packed with features, and has a modern, well-designed interior.

The Sportage hybrid version is a good choice if you want strong performance and fuel efficiency. In tests, it did 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds and averaged 43.8mpg in real-world driving. It’s not as polished as a plug-in hybrid SUV, but this self-charging hybrid is still very quiet when running on electric power at low speeds. It’s also faster and much cheaper to buy than the plug-in.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The older Hyundai Santa Fe was a solid choice if you wanted a seven-seat hybrid SUV, and the newer version keeps that reputation going. It’s one of the best hybrid SUVs; it keeps up easily on the motorway and is fairly cheap to run. It comes in self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms.

Comfort-wise, the Santa Fe does a great job. It’s a big car, so getting into the second and third rows is easy. Once you’re inside, passengers have more room to stretch out than in most of its competitors. The boot is massive, too.

Range Rover Sport P460e

The Range Rover Sport takes all the luxury and off-road prowess of the full-size Range Rover and packages it in a slightly more affordable package. Still, it’s very much a premium choice with all-wheel drive and a price to match.

It comes with two plug-in hybrid options, the P460e and P550e. The P460e, in particular, is one of the best hybrid SUVs and pairs a smooth 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with an electric motor for a solid 454hp. The Rover Sport has a generous 31.8kWh (usable) battery and can travel up to 76 miles on electric power alone.

Lexus NX 450h+

The Lexus NX 450h+ can travel up to 45 miles and reach 83mph on electric power alone. What sets it apart, though, is that when the battery runs out, it doesn’t just switch to petrol like most plug-in hybrids. Instead, it becomes a full-hybrid SUV.

Lexus’ touchscreen infotainment system is fast, simple to use, and adds a nice touch of class. Add in handling that keeps you feeling in control, Lexus’ strong reliability, and an interior that’s both spacious and stylish, and you’ve arguably got the best hybrid family car.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Sorento is a kind of hybrid SUV that mixes impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions with a smooth ride and precise steering. Every self-charging hybrid model comes fully equipped, as the Sorento is only available in the top Edition trim, so you get all the features right from the start.

When it comes to practicality, it’s hard to find much to complain about. All three rows of seats offer plenty of space, even for rear-seat passengers. And with Kia’s seven-year warranty, you can trust that the Sorento will keep running for years.

Range Rover Evoque P300e

The Evoque might initially catch your eye with its sleek looks, but it’s got more going for it than just a pretty face.

Inside this hybrid SUV, it’s pure luxury — a comfortable ride and more practicality than you’d expect in this class. The PHEV doesn’t sacrifice any boot space, even with a battery that gives you 38 miles of electric-only range.

Plus, it’s the fastest option in the Evoque lineup, and it hits 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds. The hybrid system is smooth in the city and packs a punch when you hit the motorway.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 is one of the best hybrid cars out there — 46 miles of all-electric range, with plenty of space and a smooth, comfortable ride. It has a 520-litre boot and 302hp, and it goes from 0-62mph in just six seconds while keeping CO2 emissions low at 22g/km.

The RAV4 comes with plenty of features, including good safety tech and useful extras like keyless entry. Inside, it’s spacious and well-built. If you charge this hybrid SUV regularly, you can get up to 282mpg. Also, owners can take advantage of Toyota’s 10-year warranty (if serviced at a Toyota dealer) and a reputation for reliability.

Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV

Volkswagen has been making family cars for over 80 years, so it’s no surprise the Tiguan PHEV is one of the best hybrid SUVs out there. It has a reliable plug-in hybrid system with a smooth ride, a 30-mile electric range, and great fuel economy between 157 and 177mpg.

It switches between electric and petrol power for a combined 242hp, and it can go from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. The battery does take up 139 litres of boot space, but the Tiguan still has a decent 476-litre boot and easily fits three adults in the back.

Toyota C-HR Hybrid

The Toyota C-HR brings a sporty vibe to the family SUV scene. Despite its sharp, sloping roofline, it manages to surprise with its spacious interior for a compact SUV. Plus, the cabin is solidly built.

The real highlight, though, is the engine. The 2.0-litre 184hp version packs plenty of power, but for most people, the 1.6-litre 134hp is the best hybrid engine in the lineup. It’s zippy enough for city driving, and it’s also easy on the wallet when it comes to running costs. Toyota claims around 58mpg on the combined WLTP cycle.

Carplus Will Help You Finance a New Car

Carplus helps you find the best deal and finance your next car with ease. We partner with trusted dealers to offer a range of options, from competitive prices to flexible finance plans.

It could be hybrid SUVs or not, and you could be looking for a low monthly payment or a specific loan term. Carplus makes sure you get a plan that works for you. Our team is there every step of the way!

Conclusion

To wrap up, hybrid SUVs cater to a variety of needs, from practicality and luxury to better fuel efficiency and being kinder to the environment. With some of the best hybrid cars available today, the right choice is all about considering what’s important for you — be it electric range, interior space, or cost — and picking the model that matches your lifestyle. Hybrid cars are a smart choice in 2024 and beyond!